So closely related are gas dilatation, fermentation and superacidity that it might be said they all come from common causes, such as excessive eating, over-consumption of sweets, acid fruits, starches, and the use of tobacco, stimulating beverages and drugs.

Gas Dilatation - The Symptoms

The symptoms of gas dilatation are practically the same as those given for fermentation, page 426. In addition thereto, however, there is often belching, loss of appetite, a weighty or draggy feeling, and vomiting sometimes an hour or two after meals, or late at night.

Scanty urine and constipation are frequently the results of gas dilatation. In severe cases the stomach drops down below its normal level, causing permanent stomach prolapsus.

To the trained eye, in severe cases, the stomach may be outlined, especially when it is much distended.

For remedy, see "Fermentation," page 428.

See also menus for Gastritis.

In Cases Of Overeating, Superacidity, Fermentation And Gas Dilatation, Omit

All acid fruits

All sweets except sweet fruits in limited quantities

Cane-sugar

Condiments

Coffee and tea

Cream

Fatty foods

Gravies

Pastries

Stimulating and intoxicating beverages

Subacid fruits in extreme cases

Tobacco

White bread

Eat

Bananas, very ripe

Green salads

Liberal quantity of fresh green vegetables

Limited quantity of bloodless meat, such as fish and white meat of tender fowl

Limited quantity of coarse cereals

Limited quantity of eggs and milk - sweet and sour

Melons

Nuts

Potatoes

Sweet fruits - limited quantity

Wheat bran

Whole wheat, thoroughly cooked

Whole wheat bread- - sparingly